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3 55 



AMERICANS, DO YOU REALLY KNOW 
WITH WHOM WE ARE AT WAR? 



Our country is at war and we know it. But do we 
realize what it means to be at war and be victorious in 
this war? Do we really know with whom we are at war 
— who is our enemy? 

I am sorry to say that the average American does 
not Jcnoio against what sort of people we are to fight 
for democracy . . . You say against Germans? 
Yes, but do you think Ave are to fight the kind of Ger- 
mans that you read about in books, where you find this 
description : '^A people of high moral standing ; high- 
ly cultured; real culture carriers (Kultur Tragers) for 
their less fortunate neighbors"? If you think so, well, 
I shall hope that we will know better before we get 
through with this pamphlet. 

It is very important to know with whom we are at 
war, because then we can be the better prepared to meet 
our enemy. By also having concrete facts before us we 
can nullify the effect of the arguments put forth by vari- 
ous cranks, pacifists and other irresponsibles ; and show 
what it would mean for us and our country if we should 
be defeated in this war. 

LET US PROFIT BY THE EXPERIENCE OF 
OTHERS 

Permit me to state here some facts which, I hope, will 
enlighten. 

On the eastern battlefront (Baltic coast, in the basin 
of the Nieman ) there is a country which perfectly knows 
what means "German ^Kultur.' '' This country is Lithu- 
ania. Since the very beginning of the present war, 
Lithuania has become the bloody arena of many strug- 



"Unconsoled by the faintest ray of hope from any 
source, in deepest despair, they seek a tragic end!" 

GERMANS FORCE YOUNG WOMEN INTO 
PROSTITUTION 

After occupying Lithuania, the Germans established a 
strict military rule. Comanunication between cities and 
villages was cut off. Crossing the rivers is forbidden 
under penalty of death. People are confined in their 
homes — principally dugouts — between the hours of 10 
at night and 7 in the morning. A disregard of this 
restriction brings severe punishment. 

In the cities and villages German officers issued orders 
to former local officials to establish ''red light districts" 
for Germans. Compliance would have been extremely 
unpopular in Lithuania and against traditions of that 
countr}^, so, despite menacing punishment, the officials 
emphatically refused to obey. Of course, the^^ Avere 
punished — shot, or at least exiled to prisoner camps. 
Notwithstanding the resistance offered by the people, 
the Germans themselves established these "red light dis- 
tricts," not only in the cities but in the villages as well. 
Then they forced mere girls and the younger women into 
them. To absolve themselves from such disgraceful 
deeds, these ''red light districts" were by Germans named 
"hospitals," and the people taxed to maintain them. 

Numerous Lithuanian girls committed suicide just 
to escape German hands. Others dressed in the garb of 
old women and hobbled about on crutches. Some ap- 
plied black paint to their bodies. Not a few burned their 
faces, hoping thus to prevent disgrace by destroying 
their beauty. Many were the ingenious schemes em- 
ployed by young womanhood to protect itself from the 
bestial Germans. 

Later on German officers sought to deal with the 
women with less violence, but husbands and brothers 
interfered, so the Germans decided to deport the male 
population to Germany and thus have free intercourse 
with the women left behind unprotected. 



IN TEARING DOWN THE COUNTRY ECONOMI- 
CALLY REAL TEUTONIC METHODS ARE USED 

The pillage of the country was so thorough that even 
church bells and door knobs were gathered. Although 
the invaders attempted to confiscate everything of value, 
it remains to the credit of Lithuanians that their destruc- 
tive work was not so easily accomplished, because Lithu- 
anians know the Germans too well. They know them 
both from their OAvn experience as neighbors, and from 
stories about the '^hideous' Teutons" related by their 
ancestoi's. Consequently, the people of Lithuania took 
the best precautions to prevent being robbed of all their 
possessions. 

To protect their animals, they underfed them, giving 
only enough food to keep them alive. Upon learning 
that the Germans were coming to one of their villages, 
the Lithuanian peasants strove to conceal their posses- 
sions: foodstuffs and clothing they hid under ground, 
or tightly packed in wooden boxes and suspended in 
the tops of trees. If they did not succeed in hiding 
horses and cows in deserted trenches, or by better means, 
the next best thing to do was to drive a spike into the 
animal's foot (Germans do not want lame horses) . When 
the invaders leave the village, the poor peasant pulls 
out the spike and treats the animal to the best of his 
ability. 

So skillful were the means adopted to save property 
that the Germans soon saw how useless it was to en- 
deavor to rob the people by force. Then it was their 
decision to use the real Teutonic method. 

They published an announcement in the Lithuanian 
and Russian languages, ordering the people to surrender 
willingly their domestic animals, clothing, food and 
everything usable. Whoever failed to comply with this 
demand, was to be severely punished. From then on, 
for all things taken certain cards were to be issued, 
redeemable in money after the Avar. Naturally, at first 
the Lithuanians did not take all for granted. After a 
while, however, they thought there might be some truth 
in the German promise; also knowing that, while they 
could succeed possibly nine times out of ten in hiding 



6 

things, the tenth time they might fail and then not only 
lose everything, but be severely punished. 

That was why the people decided to dispose of their 
property, exchanging for cards which it was supposed 
Avould be the same as money after the war. These cards 
were as carefully guarded as most precious treasures, 
because the only hope of restoring their lost property 
and ruined homes was in these cards. 

American-Lithuanian delegates saw these cards; they 
read them. Thousands of them are in possession of the 
Lithuanian people. These cards are written in the Ger- 
man language. Most of the Lithuanian peasants do not 
understand German. They had to rely on German 
•^'sincerity," and on the figures which were supposed to 
represent the amount allowed for the goods taken from 
them. 

It was a most painful experience for the people when 
they discovered that these cards were worse than worth- 
less. They were without signature. The wording was 
offensive. For instance, there were taken from a peas- 
ant three cows and his last two horses; he received a 
card supposedly for 700 rubles (Russian money) — one 
hundred for each cow and two hundred for each horse. 
Here we read : ''If this peasant asks for money, give him 
700 whips." Another poor man received a card for two 
hundred rubles in payment of his two small pigs and 
only cow. On it was Avritten: ''This fool peasant has 
200 lice." Still another mark of civilization : "This man 
kissed my horse 400 times; he is fool." One more: 
"The meat was good; 500 rubles shall be paid to you by 
Russians." 

Yes, these and thousands of other cards, with similar 
phraseology, are products of German "kultur." They 
are written not alone by German soldiers, but by officers 
as well. 

EVEN BRUTES FEAR THE CONVICTION OF 
CIVILIZATION 

Gradually the Germans themselves began to realize, 
that they would be convicted by the civilized world for 
such disgraceful work, so they decided to conceal their 



crimes. Heuce the issuance of a uew proclamation, tell- 
ing all who had received certain cards for their property, 
and wished to get money, that they must turn these 
cards in to certain officials within a specified time. 

Some of the people tried to comply, but the cards were 
taken away from them, and they were told that ''when 
the time conies you shall receive your money." No 
name or address has ever been asked of any person. 
If someone was brave enough to ask the official for some 
kind of identification or the return of his card, that man 
was beaten and kicked out of the office, or was tied up 
publicly to the pole and kept for several hours, flogging 
him to break the monotony. 

The Germans, seeing that not many were turning in 
their cards, issued another proclamation threatening 
severe punishment for non-comj)liauce. So we see how, 
with these cards, the Germans, without any trouble on 
their part, robbed honest people of all they once pos- 
sessed. Let the civilized world also see with what clever- 
ness the Germans are demonstrating their ''kultur'' ! 

TAXING THE DOGS 

Heavy taxes were imposed on Lithuania. Every man 
betAveen 16 and 60 years of age had to pay 6 marks 
a year. The right is reserved by the local authorities to 
raise individual taxes when it is found he has more 
means than first reported. This can be made as high as 
6,000 marks from each person. These taxes, of course, 
go entirely to the Germans. 

Dogs are also taxed : in the countrj^ 10 marks and in 
the cities 30 marks. Necessarily the dogs had to be 
killed in order to save what must otherwise be paid out 
as dog taxes. Every cent possible is kept for the pur- 
chase of bread. 

The Germans did everything in their power to take 
out of Lithuania all Russian money and to circulate in 
its place German paper money, but the people refused to 
acquiesce. They termed German money "bottle labels." 

To profit by the situation, the rate of exchange for 
rubles was lowered. While in the first half of 1916 the 
rate everywhere was from 1.90 to 2 marks, the Germans 



8 



put the official rate in Lithuania at 1.50. Only another 
concrete example of German unscrupulousness and dis- 
honesty ! 

Such commodities as sugar, flour, drugs and soap 
would not be sold unless the people traded with gold. 
(Later there was no soap at all.) When gold became 
scarce they asked for Russian money of any kind. Later 
on the Germans issued a new paper currency, imitating 
Russian rubles, excepting this "money'' Avas printed in 
German and Lithuanian languages. The Germans called 
it "Lithuanian money"; but who guarantees the values 
of this "money"? No one knows except "kultur tragers." 

LITHUANIAN JEWS ARE IN BAD CONDITION 

There are many Jews in Lithuania, particularly in the 
principal cities, Vilnius (Vilna) and Kaunas (Kov- 
na). These people made their living by keeping stores. 
Very few Jews engage in agriculture. The Germans 
robbed their homes, their stores, and left them to face 
starvation. At present there is no other way for them 
to make a living. In place of Jewish stores, Germans 
opened their OAvn and did the business themselves. 

The daughters of Israel suffered from German brutal- 
it}' just as much as did Lithuanian women. 

While the American-Lithuanian delegates were in 
Kovna many Jewish mothers wept as they complained 
to them of German brutality, and told how Jewish fam- 
ilies were forced to send their daughters to the soldiers 
in order to get money enough to buy bread. 

GERMANS HAVE NO HEART 

I might mention one of hundreds of similar incidents 
which prove that Germans are heartless. The Lithu- 
anians were planning for the Easter Holiday. This 
holiday is a great event in Lithuania. No matter how 
poor a man may be, he tries, to the best of his ability, to 
meet that day fully prepared. New clothes are pro- 
vided, or old ones cleaned. Special care is exercised to 
have the best food with which to celebrate Easter. Even 
during the war and in the midst of great misery they 



9 

did not forget that day. Under great difficulties and 
trying conditions they made ready to celebrate. But 
on the eve of observing this holiday (April 23, 1916), 
the Germans made an unexpected raid on the villages 
in the district of Kovna and confiscated everything that 
had been specially gotten together for the Easter rejoic- 
ing. Instead of joyful reunions the Lithuanian Easter 
Holiday this year was marked by sadness, by countless 
aching hearts and starving souls — all because of German 
atrociousness ... 

GEKMANS ENDEAVOR TO BRING LITHU- 
ANIANS TO KAISER'S FEET 

All Lithuanian newspapers have suspended publi- 
cation. In their place the Germans publish one paper 
(Dabartis) in the Lithuanian language, and through 
this paper they try to bring the people to the Kaiser's 
feet. But the Lithuanians refused to read this paper 
and asked permission to publish their own. This was 
denied. Likewise they sought to open primary and sec- 
ondary schools in which to be taught in the Lithuanian 
tongue. True, the Germans opened some of the schools, 
but there is no place for the Lithuanian language. Even 
in the conducting of municipalities and tribunals — 
everywhere — the German language must be used. 

The Germans enforced this rule in Lithuania, notably 
in the cities of Vilna and Kovna. Here all clergymen Avere 
obliged to salute German officers, by removing hats; 
also the school children are forced, under punishment, 
to salute the officers — boys by removing their hats and 
girls by courtesy ing. The children can hardly distin- 
guish officers from privates and to escape punishment 
they are obliged to salute every one in uniform. The 
private soldiers got so used to this that they required it. 
The saluting high school girl of 15 or 16, officers and 
privates take by the hand without any further formality. 

All these things happen in the twentieth century and 
are the actions of a nation extremely proud of its civili- 
zation and abnormallv sensitive of its culture. 



10 



GERMAN GOVERNMENT DID NOT FULFILL ITS 

PROMISE 

The American-Lithuanian delegates tried every means 
to bring relief to the people. They presented practical 
plans to the German military government in Lithuania 
and the civil government in Berlin; they asked for re- 
straints upon the strict regime in Lithuania, thereby 
permitting the people at least to breathe easier. 

Everything was promised to the delegates by German 
authorities. But the latest reports coming from reliable 
sources (Lithuanian Committees abroad) say that the 
requests went unheeded. The Germans kept none of the 
promises made to these delegates. Rather on the con- 
trary, they introduced real slavery in Lithuania; de- 
porting able-bodied citizens of both sexes and all classes. 
In their place Germans are colonizing Lithuania with 
Teutonic settlers, thus aiming a mortal blow at the na- 
tional life of Lithuania. 

The Germans with their ^'kultur-' reached their climax 
and broke Lithuanian patience. The people preferred 
death to German cruelties. They started revolts with 
clubs, pitch-forks and scythes, but soon they were si- 
lenced by German machine guns. 

To prevent any further outbreaks, and for the better 
accomplishment of their purpose, the Germans decided 
to form a Lithuanian Council (same as they did Avith 
the Poles), and invited Mgr. Karevicius, the bishop of 
Lithuania, to be president of that council. The bishop, 
knowing well their purpose, refused to accept. Tlien 
they invited Doctor Basanavicius, of Vilna, patriot of 
Lithuania; he also refused. 

The failure of their first steps did not discourage 
them; they went ahead to fulfill their idea. This time 
(July 5, 1917), the Germans sent their agent. Baron 
Ropp, to Switzerland, to induce Prof. J. Gabrys, the 
great Lithuanian patriot, to help them in forming a 
Lithuanian Council and to get his acceptance of the 
presidency of that council. As an inducement, they 
promised to declare the independence of Lithuania; of- 
fering the Kaiser's son for king. (This was mentioned 
several times in American newspapers. ) But as was to 



11 

be expected, this great sou of Lithuania flatly refused 
to accept such au offering. 

The Lithuanians are working hard to secure independ- 
ence for their country. They are taking an active part 
in this war for democracy by contributing half a mil- 
lion of their young men for the Allied armies. They are 
shedding their blood with the hope that the United 
States and the Allies will support their just claims. 

The Lithuanians cannot and do not expect anything 
good from the German government. They see in their 
latest proposals only new schemes for the better ex- 
ploitation of Lithuania. 

KAISER HONOES HANGMAN 

The following is an extract from the Bulletin of the 
Bureau of Information of Lithuania, published in Switz- 
erland, 1917 : 

^^Priuce Isenbourg von Birnstein, Civil Governor of 
Lithuania, has been elected 'Doctor Honoris Causa' ])y 
the University of Firbourg, in Brisgan, for 'services' 
rendered to the German cause in Lithuania. 

''These services consisted in requisitioning all personal 
property in the country and its exportation into Ger- 
many; m the deportation of the youth, and in the com- 
pulsory introduction of the German language in all of 
the schools and public institutions of Lithuania. 

''This prince is distinguished for brutality and Is 
without an equal in this respect. He has iutrodut ed 
into Lithuania corporal punishments and slavery." 

MORE DOCUMENTS 

Here is a citation of the official announcement issued 
November 6, 1916, at the city of Vilnius (Vilna), capital 
of Lithuania. 

I cite it here because it gives more light as to the (xer- 
man domination in the invaded territory : 

"Complying with the orders of the Chief Commander 
of the Eastern Armies (Hindenbourg), all the men be- 
tween IT and 60 years of age, both inclusive, living in 
the province of Vilna, are being called for examination 



12 



as to their fitness for work. They must report accord- 
ing to the numbers on their passports issued by Ober-Ost, 
at the city of Vilna, ranging from Nos. 1 to 45,000. 

''Those exempted are: All clergymen, teachers, physi- 
cians, dentists, pharmacists; but at the time of their 
call, according to the numbers of their passports, they 
must pay 600 marks to the German Stadhauptmann. 

''This money Avill be used for a supply of clothing 
to be provided those called to work, and for the support 
of their families. 

"Those failing to comply with this request, and fail- 
ing to give reasonable cause, shall be punished by im- 
prisonment for three years, or fined up to 10,000 marks, 
or both. 

"DeR StADTHAUPTMANN, I. V. PiLTZ. 

"Vilna, November 6, 1916." 
BEWARE OF GERMAN PRISONERS' CAMPS 

I could write many things about the military and 
civilian prisoners in Germany, but as someone else did 
so before me, therefore I would advise everyone interest- 
ed in this subject to get the book entitled "Prisoners of 
War." Every word in this book tells the real truth, and 
I do not believe I could present a better picture of prison- 
er life in Germany. 

If soldiers knew the real situation in Germany, none 
of them would be in German prisoner camps. It is much 
better to be instantly killed on the battlefield than to be 
gradually starved to death in Germany. 

i^mericansl Perhaps some of our boys will be taken 
prisoners. For God's sake let us be prepared to send 
some relief to them, at least as France and Great Britain 
are doing for their boys. The prisoners do not mind 
the hard labor they have to perform in Germany, even if 
they have to work in place of mules (yes, this is about 
what they are ! ) . The worst part is that they do not get 
enough food, as I might say, Germans feed them "scien- 
tifically" — just to keep them alive! 

Food is the essential thing for them. Next to food 



comes clothing. 



13 
GERMANS CANNOT CONCEAL THEIR CRIMES 

In writing tliis pamphlet, I purposely omitted the 
names of people and places, fearing that it might bring 
harm to those living in the immediate sections re- 
ferred to. 

I am sorry, I cannot give a better description of Ger- 
man actions and outrages. I have tried to present them 
in a softer light. It is too painful to set out the realistic 
picture of German ''accomplishment.'^ But you shall 
see more of them after the war. You shall see them 
and know all the hideous details. Those who had to 
bear these things shall tell you, as I believe the Germans 
cannot succeed in murdering all who oppose them; but 
if they should, then the bones of the people shall speak 
to you ; the trees on which they Avere hanged shall recite 
you the story; the bloody walls at which babies were 
killed shall present to you the sad picture furnished by 
the ''kultur tragers" . . . Swiftly running brooks 
and all nature witnessed these things and shall conceal 
nothing. The Germans cannot hide all their crimes, 
no matter how hard they would try; it is impossible, 
and the whole civilized world shall know it. 

Some of you may say, "Well, it is a time of war and 
anything may happen at such a time." Yes, that is 
true; but is it a war against defenseless people? Is it 
a war against innocent girls and women? Let me ask 
you, is it a war against poor little babies? Of course 
not, but you see the Germans fighting, torturing and 
murdering them without any sensible reason. 

Americans ! You sons and guardians of liberty ! Can 
we bear to be quiet spectators of such crimes against 
humanity? Can we forgive those who committed them? 
I know that you have a ready answer, '^No, no, never !'' 

GERMANS THEMSELVES ARE SLAVES 

The question now arises. Who is most responsible for 
all these wrongs? Is the whole German nation to be 
blamed? I should say not; the German people are not 
wholly to be blamed. They do not know what they are 
doing. They are drunk with kaiserism. They are not 



14 

educated as human beings should be. They are a simple, 
unthinkable militar}^ machine, run by the Kaiser and 
his agents. 

These people blindly obey the orders of others. Here 
is an instance Avhich will prove my statement : In one 
of the Lithuanian towns German soldiers used to come 
to church and remain with caps on and smoking pipes. 
The priest asked them many times to conduct themselves 
differently, but they only laughed at him and stuck to 
their own way of doing. Then the priest placed a sign 
on the church door : ''Rauchen Verboten" ( smoking pro- 
hibited), and another sign stating that caps should be 
removed. To the surprise of the priest and the people, 
the Germans obeyed these signs. When they came to 
church the next time they removed their caps and did 
not smoke! 

In Germany we find signs everyAvhere. Where the 
word of an officer cannot reach the people they put up a 
sign, directing the people of Germany what to do and 
what not to do. So we see that the German people 
are the slaves of their own created superiors and should 
be pitied as such. 

Those responsible for these crimes in Lithuania are 
the chief military ruler, in the person of von Hinden- 
bourg, and his aides — Prince Isenbourg von Birstein, 
who is the civil governor of Kovna and Courland prov- 
inces ; Count York, governor of Vilna and Suvalki prov- 
inces; Pohl, burgomaister of the city of Vilna; Major 
Putkamer and Mohl, from the staff of Prince Isenbourg, 
who has offices in the city of Kovna. Some people in 
Berlin who are most responsible are Herr Trautman, 
from the Department of Justice, and Baron Ropp, the 
Kaiser's hand (a German possessing large estates id 
Lithuania). Those are the principal murderers. Ob- 
viously, at the head of all of them stands the Kaiser. 

All these people deserve a noose actively associated 
with the branch of a dead tree ! 

AWAY WITH ALL PACIFISTS 

Americans, do you see now with whom we are at 
war? Do you see what kind of a foe will be our antagon- 



15 

ists? Do you? If you do, theu you know what it means 
to be at war. Then you must also know what it would 
mean to be defeated; what it would mean to your 
mothers, your sisters, to your wives ; and what it would 
mean to your country. 

Let the experience of Lithuanians and others show 
you the necessity of preparedness I The importance of 
universal, sane military training. 

Away with all pacifists I Away with moral and 
physical slackers. Oome forward ! Let us join 
hands for the liberation of all peoples of every na- 
tionality from the autocratic yoke. Let us help 
democracy to gain and to rule the world. Let us unite 
for the realization of the noble and humanitarian aims 
of our President, wiio has announced to the w^orld that 
^^We are fighting for the liberty, the self-government and 
the undictated development of all peoples.'' 

This is the American mission ; the world is waiting for 
its accomplishment. The xlmerican mission is also to 
liberate the German people; the same as it did once 
before for the negro. 

The German people are slaves of autocracy and they 
do not know it ! . . . They are blinded by their wild 
imaginings of their ^'kultur," and an unnatural craving 
for notoriety. They cannot see the light of freedom. 
Their ears are plugged with kaiserism ; that is why they 
cannot hear the cries of the tortured. They are drunk 
with insane militarism. They do not even understand 
the meaning of liberty ! 

, If America could open .their eyes, give understanding 
to their ears, and then explain to them the meaning of 
liberty, these same German people would contribute in 
the largest possible measure to their own liberation. 

America can, and will do it ! By proclaiming plainly 
and emphatically, in no unmistakable terms, the Ameri- 
can principles for which she is in the war, and asking 
our Allies to do the same; by this we can crush the 
spectre of the Kaiser's spirit in our own country, and iu 
the countries of our Allies. His influence then will 
be nil. The fleets of American aeroplanes sent over Ger- 
many will do the rest. Bursting bombs shall open the 
eyes and ears of the German people. When they see 



16 

that they are simply slaves, but can easily learn the 
meaning of liberty, then will the dawn of a new era be 
nearer. The Kaiser will get what is due him — possibly 
a noose and a branch of a dead tree, or an assignment 
shoveling snow with Nicholas Romanoff in Tobolsk. 

We must act; the time is ripe! If we do otherwise 
the disasters that have befallen Lithuania may be re- 
peated in this country ! 

We must remember the words of our President : ''The 
day has come to conquer or submit !" 

American-Lithuanian. 



020 935 333 7 



